PRESS RELEASE
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, Retro Fitness is inviting communities across the country to come together for its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, held in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The nationwide initiative encourages members, first responders and community members to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001, while raising funds to support the Foundation’s mission.
On Friday, Sept. 11, all Retro Fitness clubs will welcome members and non-members alike to complete the symbolic climb of 110 flights of stairs (2,071 steps), representing the height of the World Trade Center towers and honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Community members can register for the Memorial Stair Climb at their nearest Retro Fitness location or through the club’s dedicated fundraising team page at retrofitness.com/donate. Registered participants may also create a personal fundraising page, share why they’re climbing and invite friends and family to support the cause. At participating locations, registered participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt while supplies last.
Beginning Aug. 15 through Sept. 15, members and guests can further support the initiative by making point-of-sale donations with 100% of proceeds benefiting the NFFF. In recognition of their continued service, all first responders can work out for free on Sept. 11.
“This annual initiative holds deep significance for our Retro Fitness franchise family, our members and the neighborhoods we serve,” said Kim Gouch, Chief Brand Officer of Retro Fitness. “We’re proud to partner with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as we commemorate the 25th anniversary and honor the lives forever impacted by 9/11. It’s a meaningful reflection of our commitment to showing up for our communities and creating authentic connections that extend beyond the walls of our gyms.”
As part of the partnership, Retro Fitness is also supporting the NFFF’s #ForThe343 movement. More than 115 official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs will take place across the country during the weekend of Sept. 11–13, and for the first time, everyone is invited to participate from anywhere. Whether climbing at a Retro Fitness club, a local event or in their own neighborhood, participants are encouraged to climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, share a photo or short video using #ForThe343, and challenge three others to continue the tribute across communities nationwide.
“We are proud to partner with Retro Fitness in this powerful act of remembrance,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “As a nation we pledged to never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11, including 343 firefighters that day and hundreds more in the years since. As we approach the 25th anniversary, these climbs give anyone near a Retro Fitness location a chance to fulfill that promise. It’s one way we keep their legacies alive, as the proceeds raised from this initiative will go directly to helping Fire Hero Families and fire departments across the country.”
To register for a Memorial Stair Climb at Retro Fitness or support your local club’s fundraising efforts, visit retrofitness.com/donate. To learn more about the NFFF and its #ForThe343 movement, visit ForThe343.org.
To learn more about Retro Fitness, visit retrofitness.com.
ABOUT RETRO FITNESS
For more than 20 years, Retro Fitness has been a leader in the High-Value, Low-Price (HVLP) fitness space, empowering members to live healthier lives on their own terms.
Rooted in its GET REAL brand philosophy, Retro Fitness is dedicated to creating welcoming environments, fostering authentic connections, and delivering fitness experiences that feel inclusive, motivating, and attainable— both in-club and beyond.
More than just a workout, Retro Fitness offers an integrated approach to health and fitness. Members have access to state-of-the-art equipment, dynamic group classes and expert personal training, complemented by recovery and mindfulness amenities designed to elevate the overall experience. From its nutrient-driven smoothie bar – open to members and the public – to wellness-focused spaces like the Zen Den featuring fullbody Red Light Therapy, tanning, and massage chairs, as well as The Body Shoppe personal training and a connected digital app experience, every touchpoint supports balance and long-term success. Together, these elements create a powerful brand halo that redefines what it means to add “life to one’s years,” helping members feel better, move better, and stay committed at an unmatched value.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION (NFFF)
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit firehero.org.